Classroom observation: Thematic Notes

Classroom observation: Thematic Notes

Introduction

Thematic notes are details and facts about a student and a classroom that are recorded as an outline. This outline is formed on predesignated categories of observation. Thematic notes represent the major areas to be observed. They represent factual information and are time-saving.

Advantages and disadvantages

Some of the key advantages of thematic notes are:

They organize and focus an observer's attention

Increase depth and accuracy

Easily relate to events

They are concise, brief and less time-consuming

Some disadvantages of thematic notes are:

They provide limited information and only general statements

They do not reveal order or sequences

The attention is only focused on certain areas

Thematic Notes: The Observation

Lesson clarity

The students clearly understood the lesson that was being delivered

The teacher speaks clearly, audibly and in a tone that is gentle yet crisp

The teacher successfully responds to student queries

The students show deep interest in the topic being taught

The students did not show much ambiguity in the coursework

The students seemed to remember the matter taught in previous classes

Students were able to relate easily to the previous classes

The teacher paused frequently to ensure the class was on track

Meanings of difficult words were discussed

The teacher made the students spell out difficult words

Instructional Variety

The teacher gives clear instructions to the students regarding their work

Assignments were clearly explained

Assignments were easy to execute and have proper guidelines attached to them

The previous assignments were done on time

Only one girl 'Jill' had not completed her assignment

Jill seemed embarrassed to discuss her reason for not completing the work

The teacher talked to Jill personally and found out the reason for incomplete homework

Jill seemed happy after talking to the teacher in person

Teacher-Task Orientation

The teacher allows the first five minutes for students to settle down

It takes at least ten to fifteen minutes for the class to become attentive and focused

The teacher assembles the entire class from her ...